This seems to be an honest assessment of living off grid. Youtube and Instagram portrayals leave out the details and too often present an idyllic and unrealistic portrayal of what living off grid means.
The Hidden (and Not So Hidden) Expenses of Living Off Grid – CNET
An observation – many such stories of off grid living, or van life, or being a digital nomad – are by people who are writers and reporters. Their work enables them the privilege of working “off site” – something that most people cannot do. The US Department of Homeland Security estimated that about 30% of the workforce is “non-essential”, meaning their work can be stopped for some period of time. Of the remaining 70%, about 20% can be done remotely (off-site, at home) at least part of the time, and about 50% requires being on site, in person.
Many proponents of off grid life styles do not realize they have a unique privilege to pursue what they are doing – a privilege that most people do not have. Consequently, they present images of off grid living that cannot work for most people at this time. The author of the above column points out they used a pellet stove (manufactured wood pellets) for heating, and that having a large truck is essential due to the need to haul materials to their home site.
Those who live off grid are rarely completely off grid. They still rely on local retailers for supplies (construction, power systems, water, plus hired experts), communications infrastructure, food and health care.
Overall, the above linked series of articles seems to be an honest perspective on off grid living for those where this lifestyle can work.
(My own home is solar PV powered, we heat with wood pellets too, compost most everything on site, added in R60+ insulation, and have installed two 220v outlets for future EV charging. At this time, I have not found an EV that meets our requirements. We are not “off grid” – in fact, we live in a small city (population 29,000), about 20 miles from the next city (91,000).)
